The annual Consumer Electronics Show is underway in Las Vegas. Although somewhat misnamed (consumers are not allowed in), almost anyone who is anyone in the field of electronics is here. From computers to TV’s and anything that has electronics in it (even autos)…its all here. This is where retailers and the press get a peak at what is coming their way in 2012.
That is all well and good, except there are very few surprises any more, thanks to the Internet. We already know all about what is coming. And, because almost everything is future ware, there have been many instances where products shown here never make it to market…too many actually.
Frankly, I think the show is starting to lose its appeal. Apple pulled out several years ago and this year is Microsoft’s last appearance. And tech reporters consider it a badge of honor NOT to attend this show. Last year, the big buzz was about e-book readers and tablets. Most of those never made it to market or had a very short life, thanks to Kindle and the Nook’s market dominance.
And what is the buzz this year? It is Ultrabooks…those very thin and lightweight laptops with powerful processors. They are everywhere at the show, thanks to the big push being given by Intel. This is actually phase 2 of a 3 phase Intel program for Ultrabooks. Phase 3, sometime in the near future, will have laptops with detachable screens that become tablets. But that is probably set for next year.
So in response to all this I have 2 stories in this edition that cover CES. The first is CNet’s complete coverage of the show. You can come come back to this page all week long to get updates. The second story gives you a little more information about Ultrabooks and the Intel Master Plan. As for the rest… well the headlines and synopsis’ will tell you what you need to know. Have fun! - JRC
CES 2012 - So far
Here is look at some of the products unveiled at CES 2012. You can keep coming back to this comprehensive site to see more. If you are interested in the new Technology that might be coming your way, this is the best place to find it.
Intel's Ultrabook Plan: Cheaper, With Touch Screens, and Marketed Like Crazy
Intel created the ultrabook laptop category last fall, in response to Apple's Macbook Air and to the casual computing afforded by tablets. Intel wants ultrabooks, which emphasize slim design and long battery life over raw performance, to account for 40 percent of the laptop market by the end of this year.
Google makes searching more personal
Get ready to start seeing more Google+ in your searches. This week, the Mountain View Internet giant is rolling out a set of changes to its basic search function designed to drive more traffic to its nascent social network.
Google patches Chrome, beefs up malicious file blocking tech
Google last week patched Chrome 16 and improved the download warnings in the impending Chrome 17. The company updated Chrome 16 with a security update that quashed three bugs, all rated "high," the company's second-most-dire threat rating. Two of the bugs warranted bounties of $1,000 each, including one to a developer who works for rival Mozilla, maker of Firefox.
Barnes & Noble Considering Nook Spinoff
While Barnes & Noble touted strong holiday sales for Nook products, it noted that sales of the Nook Tablet and Nook Simple Touch fell short of expectations. Nine-week holiday retail sales were up 2.5 percent from last year to $1.2 billion and online sales increased 43 percent to $327 million.
Lost your Windows discs? How to get replacement media, legally
Did your most recent Windows PC come with reinstallation media? Many do, some don’t. But contrary to what you might have read, creating replacement Windows discs is easy, and every major PC maker will supply backup discs, sometimes for free. I have details.
Get Organized: Clean Up Your Desktop
If your virtual desktop, server, and email inbox are disorganized disaster zones, it's not too late to save them! By following a few simple steps, you can reclaim a sense of order. Here are 5 articles to get you started.
Windows Defender Offline — old name, new use
Microsoft’s newly released beta version of Windows Defender Offline, a rootkit-sniffing and Windows-rehabilitation tool, should be the latest addition to your bag of Windows-repair tricks. WDO should be able to catch a wide variety of nasties that evade detection by more traditional antivirus methods. Highly recommend you get this one and use it.
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